Passages

Passages. Connections.  Easing your way. Moving forward. 2015 is closing for me with a bang! A resounding, HOORAY, as well as a solemn cry. The end of 2015 was bittersweet. So many young lives ended too soon. So many who lost battles that they'd been fighting for too long. At the same time, birth! New and beautiful lives passed into our world, breathing their first breath. Seeing the faces of those whose voices they had only heard. (#PMA) Miraculous.

Today we pass through the "proverbial tunnel" from 2015-2016. We cross the bridge into a new year. Grab the hands of those you love and walk with them. Live each day like there is no tomorrow. Dream big, and love too much. Give kisses and smile till it hurts. 

Tomorrow is for new beginnings. The slate is cleared. No room for "should haves or would haves." Use mistakes as stepping stones. Set new goals and strive to reach them. The first step is always the hardest. Step wisely, step firmly, step proudly. Like it's the first step you've ever taken. 

Welcome home, 2016!

Reflections...2015

Self reflection is an amazing thing. It forces us to stop and think. It forces us to stop and consider all that has occurred in the fast moving, whirlwind, we call LIFE. This life is funny, you know. When you least expect it, something wonderful happens, and when you're not looking, life changes. That has happened many times as I reflect back on 2015. As a parent, I've watched my 4 children face and conquer difficult trials and tribulations. I've watched as they reached new heights. I've heard them say, "hey world, this is me, take it or leave it!!!" Wow! As a parent all we want is for our children to be happy. I can safely say, for the most part, mine are.  As a wife, I grow and learn each day. My relationship with my husband is bubbling over with love and respect; it brings me to tears every single day. I pray that my children see what true love is and that they too can find it some day. I often wonder how I got so lucky in life. Somehow the moon and the stars were perfectly aligned and some higher power knew exactly what they were doing. It's not always easy, though. To be honest, easy would be boring. Easy would stunt growth and learning. So, I'm okay with the occasional struggle. As a teacher, I am truly satisfied. You could say that it's my calling in life. I still get jazzed about going to work after 25 years of teaching! I love the look on my student's faces when I introduce something new, or when I challenge their minds. I love overhearing their conversations and when they look up at me, with their curious eyes. They make me smile. Although it's not always perfume and roses, and there are those tough days, it's still good stuff.  You see, I've learned first hand, that when one is truly happy, it filters into all we do. That's why being happy is just so darned important!

So, as I reflect back on my 2015, I just smile. It's been gritty, it's been gruff, it's been shitty and it's been tough. But, 2015, I wouldn't trade ya' for anything! Thank you to my 3 J's & an A, my beloved GMB and my 3rd grade jewels.....2015 has been a trip!

My BFF's

I was walking down the hallway with my students the other day, and it hit me, these kids are my best friends. In addition to spending most of my waking hours with them, I share my thoughts and feelings with them regularly. I teach them my math tricks, they teach me about Minecraft. I listen to their questions and  I offer support in every way. They've made me belly laugh, they've driven me crazy, they've brought me to tears (the happy and sad kind) and they've made me feel good about wearing crazy costumes. Some ask me questions, about my children, and my husband and my pets. Some tell me they like my outfit while others like my nails. I know what kinds of foods they like, and they know I love Wawa coffee. I can tell who needs more time to finish because they are feeling down. I know who needs more attention because mom's away on business. I know who needs more sleep because the Eagles played a late Sunday night game. We know this about each other. They know my bad days, and I know their's. My BFF's are a bunch of 8, 9, & 10 year olds. That's cool!

Wonderful Words

Words. Words speak. They communicate ideas. They describe. They teach. They tell. 

Words. What should I say? How should I tell him? How should I respond? How can I explain? Words. Powerful. Words. 

There's nothing more important than words and communication. Communication is the key to successful relationships. It is how we use our words. It is how we chose our words. It is what we start learning to do the minute we say our first words.  

As teachers, communication is what we do, all day, every day. We communicate new information; We communicate feelings; We communicate changes in our schedule; We communicate instructions; We use and model communication all day long.

Last week we started a writing unit on Poetry. Writing is communication. Poetry is communication. It is the ability to communicate our feelings about something or someone in a creative way. It is the ability to tell what we think about something; it is our stream of consciousness. 

I was happily surprised when we had a visit from a group of poets from Project Voice last week. These poets use spoken poetry to tell and teach. Their poetry tells the stories of their lives. How they feel, where they come from, where they've been. Their poetry teaches us that our words don't have to be pretty or flowery. They merely have to mean something. Our words must be carefully chosen. To describe something to someone or to help others to visualize a thought or a dream. To ensure understanding. 

Words. Words speak. They communicate ideas. They describe. They tell.

Words. Magical. Mystical. Powerful. Integral. Words. 

Haven't written in a long, long while

Happy School Year 2015-2016! It has been a long time and I have been itching to get writing again.

I've transitioned back into the classroom from being a specialist for the last 5 years. It's been a whirlwind I must say. Although this is my 24th year of teaching, It feels like my first. Things have surely changed in just 5 short years. With that being said, it has been a great ride thus far. Much has changed, but the familiar feelings of being in charge of the lives of 15 little people remain the same. I had forgotten about the deep connections made with our students. The feeling that every move you make and every word you speak, impacts their little lives. The feeling that you don't ever want them to be sad or hurt or down. The feeling that they are your seedlings and it is your responsibility and duty to water and nurture them into full bloom. This feeling is intense.

I spend countless hours thinking and planning out interesting and exciting ways to teach my seedlings. Upon discovery, I rehearse meaningful "hooks." How can I grab them and sustain their interest? Definitely not an easy task!!! When it happens, it's magical. When I've miscalculated it's okay, too. See, my seedlings understand that I always give it my best, and I don't always get it right.  They know this is what I expect from them. This mutual understanding works very well. Someone once said, "There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections." It's okay to say, "oops, that didn't work!"

I urge anyone reading this to feel the ease I do, knowing we are by no means perfect. We are merely hardworking people trying to make a difference. Mistakes, imperfections, the not so perfect lesson, make me who I am today. And, I'm pretty sure that is acceptable to my perfect seedlings!

It's been too long....

For Iris,

A friend reminded me that I haven't written a blog in a while. Life just got away with me. There are times in our lives when we just cannot make the time to do things for ourselves because we are too busy doing for others. That's been my life in a nutshell for the last 2 months. Coming to school each day has served as an escape. Seeing the smiles and hearing the voices of curiosity scurrying through hallways and in and out of classrooms has been seemingly soothing. Oddly enough. That's when you know you are living the dream. It may not be perfect, but it's where you belong. I know this is my field. I know this is what I'm good at. And, I know that I am always ready for new challenges if these challenges are going to enrich the lives of my students. By students, I mean, any age learners. Students can be plopped on a carpet square in a kindergarten class, and students can be lined up in rows behind me as I teach my next Zumba routine. Teaching and learning, learning and growing. This is my thing! Teachers, I challenge you to reflect on where you are in your careers. How do you feel when you get to school each day. Are you satisfied? Are you at peace? Are you struggling to find your place? Are there things you'd like to change? Is change possible? Are your students growing and learning before your eyes? These are the things I often ponder. It's exhausting to change, but at the same time, it's exhausting to stay the same. To get stuck in a rut. So as you move through your day today, think about where you are, and what you do. Think about what you'd like to be different and what you'd like to stay the same. I know for me, self reflection is extremely satisfying. It can be "icky" and unsettling, but in the end it's worth it. Inspire. Lead. Teach.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

-William A. Ward 

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul: I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writ...

Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writing, that's it. I've missed writing. I've missed the feeling of thoughts flowing from my brain, down through my arms and wrists, and out my finger tips. Writing frees me. It relieves my mind; it slows my breathing and it just, plain and simple, relaxes me. When I sit with students in writing class, this ease doesn't always exist. "I can't think of what to write about," or "I'm done," are things I hear. Tools. That's all they need are tools. Open the toolbox and reach inside. There you will find your experiences, your dreams and wishes, your family and friends. You'll find your puppy when you first brought him home or your baby sister, just born in the hospital. See, writing doesn't have to be based on far-fetched, glamorous ideas. Writing is a way for you to share what's happened to you. It's for you to share what you wish would happen. It's for you to describe moments in your life that have been etched in your memories. A simple visit to grandma's for the holiday. The first time you baked cookies. Fighting with your best friend. See, these ideas are not grandiose, nor are they unique. However, the way in which you tell your story; woven with description and language; that makes it YOURS. As writers, we owe it to each other to tell our stories. As writers we need to listen to the world around us and snatch moments and stuff them into our pockets. What we write isn't always perfect, and it takes a lot of practice and stamina. But, in time, your toolbox will be busting with ideas; ideas that you cannot wait to share.

Writing means freedom. Writing means optimism. Writing is good for the mind, body and soul.

Connection & Empathy; The Keys to Teaching

For me, over the years, there have been several children that I've made a special connection with. Many times these children cross the threshold of my classroom and are struggling in one way or another. Maybe it is a struggle at home with family discord. Maybe it is an internal struggle; an emotional struggle. Maybe it's a physical struggle. Whatever the struggle may be, these children have found their way into my heart. As a teacher there are clear boundaries set between us and our students. However, as the days, weeks and months go by, it is challenging to separate ourselves from them. We know them so well. We feel their pain; we are warmed by their achievements; we are connected. Empathy. Empathy comes from having this connection. It's not something you can teach, however it is surely something you can model for students. Teachers NEED empathy. It's like a 6th sense that we use to identify when our students are hurting or in need of attention. We don't rescue them, instead we provide our students with skills to help themselves. Teachers see their students as a WHOLE person. Therefore it is not only important for us to teach them during school hours, but it is important that we impart information and education to their families as well. A good teacher will do this and see it as a priority. See, our students aren't just names; our students aren't just numbers. Our students aren't just a list we receive at the end of the summer. They are individuals who are filled with promise, no matter how much emotional, or physical baggage they come to us with. It is our job to create opportunities for them to utilize their highest potential. It is our job to model creativity and connection. It is our job to let them reach conclusions that we may not have even thought of. Most importantly, it is our job to know who each child is and what each child needs, in EVERY possible way. 

It's no wonder that over the years, there are students who I can truly say, have changed my life. Students that I think about on a regular basis and wonder how they are doing. Sometimes we are lucky enough to cross paths with them on social media or in the mall. The connection and the feelings come rushing back. The validation that we did something right; something that shaped this young adult into becoming a dentist, or a psychologist, and often, a teacher. WOW, if you are lucky enough to see the end result, there is nothing better than that!!!!!

Alysa's Top 10 of Teaching

Alysa's Top Ten Teaching Hints...

1. Look beyond the moment and SEE the good in all of your students.

2. It's never too late to change; don't fear it.

3. Always draw attention to one student's strength as opposed to another's weakness.

4. Instead of getting LOUDER, get softer and try a whisper. Students respond incredibly well to     whispers.

5. Be accepting and knowledgable of ALL learning styles.

6. Stick to a routine, no matter how tough it is!

7. BE CONSISTENT! Even though it is exhausting.

8. Know that you are not perfect and embrace it.

9. Let your peers help you become better by sharing successes and failures with them.

10. Create learning experiences where EVERYONE can succeed.

To sum it all up.....

The kids in our classroom are infinitely more significant
than the subject matter we teach.
-Meladee McCarty 

STEM, STEAM, STREAM, STRAMM...What does this all mean?

In my tenure as a teacher I have seen many changes in education. I suppose that's what sets our profession apart from any other. Teachers are like ballerinas....we do our best work on our toes! Spin, twist, tumble, we do it all. This week I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the "new" but "old"  STEM philosophy. A few teachers and administrators gathered together for a 2 day workshop to learn all about STEM. Basically, STEM is a holistic philosophy of teaching and learning where Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, are all wrapped up into neat little learning communities. This type of holistic experience offers students the opportunity to create, collaborate, think critically and communicate ideas. The 4 C's (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication) represent the 21st Century Skills needed to thrive in today's world. STEM fluent learners will be sufficiently prepared and ready to soar ahead after school. It is always scary and overwhelming when there is something of value put in front of you, that you know makes sense, but at the same time will cause change. CHANGE, is the "elephant in the room." We know it's there, we know why, but we have to come to terms with it. CHANGE, to some teachers, is scary.  CHANGE to others, can be invigorating. There's something about us losing control of what we have done for so many years. Something that is comfy and safe and warm. Something that works. Why should we fix what is not broken? Well, STEM isn't a FIX and it's really not a complete change, it's an enhancement. Take your best outfit, your slim fitting skirt, your designer shoes, the silk blouse that accentuates your best features; Now add just the perfect necklace and earrings  to complete the look. That's STEM. It takes all of your favorite lessons and ties them together in a cohesive way and layers them with inquiry and 21st century skills. Nothing wrong with that, teachers!!!!

P.S. Action statements from a STEM fluent learner:

I Think.
I Question.
I Design.
I Create.
I Struggle.
I Collaborate.
I Try.
I Solve.
I Invent.
I Reflect.
I LEARN!

We are Family

I assume that in most workplaces, your co-workers become as close as family members. You are with them day in and day out; 8 hours; 5 days a week. If you're me, you've known and grown with many of these people for the last 18 years and 2 months. 18 years! That's almost as long as I've known my twin daughters, soon to be 20. That's longer than I am married to my wonderful husband. 18 years, awesome! And like family, you have your up's and you have your down's. You share blissful moments of sheer happiness, and you mourn awful losses together. You take your bad mood out on them, and they take advantage of your flexibility. However, no matter what, when push comes to shove, you are all in this together. Every now and again, SMACK, reality whacks us across the face. My close friend at work received some bad news a few weeks back. She is going to be fine and her prognosis is excellent. But, she received this news, nonetheless. As we waited together, in the hallway of our "home"/school, her cell phone rang. The call she had been waiting for finally came. My throat was pained with a lump I couldn't swallow. My heart sank so low into the depths of my body, I longed for its' beat. Time stood still. "It's cancer," she said. After all of the, "almosts," and all of the, "I'm sure it's nothing(s)," it was something. Somehow, I salvaged any of the strength that seemed to ooze out of my limp arms and legs, I stood tall, and I held her. "We are going to beat this," I said again and again, "WE are going to beat this." After weeks of first opinions, second opinions, discussions,  and weighing options, her decision was made. Let's do this as quickly as possible, was her goal and I'm proud to say she did just that. See, it truly takes a Village! Our little Village; our sweet, yet strong school joined together to overcome another one of life's adversities. I have NO doubt that in a year from now, this moment in time will be one that confirms the bond that our "family" shares. We ARE family!

Formal Observations...better known as: This Is Not How I Thought It Was Going To Go!

It never fails. The perfectly planned and rehearsed lesson never works out JUST as you thought. For weeks you obsess about what to do. The lesson  needs to have the perfect mix of teacher directed activity and group work with a bit of reflection on top! YES! I've got it! The perfect lesson that does just that! So  you draft a lesson plan. Clear objectives, steps, potential obstacles, assessment, and reflection. How am I going to differentiate? How will I assist/support students as they work? How will I maintain peace and harmony with a somewhat difficult bunch? Obsess, obsess, obsess...

It's time. The children sit and wait to be directed. A calm washes over me. I'm ready and confident. An interruptive complaint, a whine, a grunt, a "She pushed me!," a "She pushed me first...." Then all HELL breaks loose. Those who are usually well-behaved have transformed into monsters. Why? How? I try to pull out all of my "teacher tricks" for management; positive reinforcement, modeling, peer-mentoring.....NOTHING IS WORKING! The goals that were set so idealistically, the reflective discussion you planned, down the proverbial toilet!

Teaching is like no other profession. We have to be master Ad Lib"bers." In most professions, how YOU feel, and how well planned YOU are drives your success. In our profession, our success is driven by the mood, behavior, and feelings of 20+ little peanuts!!!! Try that on for a day and walk in my shoes!

Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theatre.Gail Goldwin

A Teacher's Job

Everything we do as teachers is for our students. We spend August learning about them and preparing exciting lessons and events to stimulate learning and growth. We spend September watching them as they evolve; as they adjust; as they adapt to new surroundings; as they grow as learners. From then on  we teach, reinforce, support, model good behavior, and grow into a little family of our own. We eat together, we celebrate successes and work through rough times. We solidify our relationships and provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students. We praise them when they demonstrate goodness and we strategize with them when they need to make changes for the better. We watch what they eat for snack, making sure they eat healthily. We observe them at lunch and see that they eat their meal first and dessert last. For all intense and purposes we know our children COMPLETELY. We can predict reactions and nip problems in the bud. Every day we spend together, counting to 100, completing the daily calendar, learning to read, to write, to problem solve. We nurture those who don't feel well and make sure hands are washed and mouths are covered. We talk privately with our students about their feelings. We work together on peaceful communication and empathy. We apply band aids when boo-boos come our way,  and we check bathrooms when our students are away too long. We teach responsibility by making sure backpacks are emptied each day and refilled with important homework. We check and assess and assess and check, making sure our students are finding success and are meeting grade level expectations. And even when they aren't, we plan and differentiate to make sure our students' needs are met.  And while we are busy doing ALL of these things, we are teaching them. Some may say that teachers have it easy. Thoughts???

Is it a snow day or NOT????

There's nothing more exciting than a potential SNOW DAY when you're a teacher. It starts when you overhear someone in the hallway saying, "Oh yeah, did you hear we're going to be getting snow...."  Immediately, I jump into high alert mode. I stand at attention. Did you say, SNOW? As in snow storm, as in SNOW DAY? "You didn't hear?, someone says, "Are you oblivious?," is the standard response. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the news shows and any time I do try and catch the weather report I'm either too early, or too late. So, NO, I'm not oblivious, I just don't live my life following Accuweather! So we go home and WAIT. We check our phones and emails incessantly. G-d for bid they tell us the night before.... We WAIT some more. With pajamas on inside out and a spoon under our pillows we drift off to sleep. Dreams of snowflakes and hot soup, watching movies under the covers, and hot cocoa. THEN, I'm UP! I sit and stare at the phone waiting for the 5:00 AM call; 5:15, 5:30, 5:35, 5:36.....nothing. Now I'm angry. Alarm clock blares. Wearily I roll out of bed; I grunt; I moan; I growl. But.....I'm a "glass half full" kind of girl, maybe they'll be some snow later today?

Love my colleagues....

Today the unexpected happened. See, as teachers, we not only teach our students but we learn and grow from our peers. I've never been too proud to admit that I "steal" from my peers. If something works in a classroom, I'm the first one to "steal" the idea. A simple trip to the dollar store and some blank lines on my white board, turned out to be the most novel trick in classroom management. Earn a point for working quietly and unmask the letters that name a prize. Who knew that something this simple could change an entire classroom culture??? It did. Thank you to the hundreds of fellow teachers who have helped to shape the teacher I've become.

P.S. I'm okay if you want to "steal" this idea!

The ULTIMATE satisfaction

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the email almost 3 years ago. A name that I hadn't thought about in years; wonderful memories began flooding my mind. Every now and again, we teachers reminisce about students who touched our lives in one way or another. Students that bring a smile to our faces; students that overrun us with concern and worry; students that made a huge impact. Some that were distracted; some who were ambitious; some who mastered their multiplication facts to 12, some who used their fingers to add and subtract. Nonetheless, they were, and ARE, all of our students.

With that said, fast forward to me reading the following email on my laptop:

"I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was your 3rd grade student some years ago. I was              just wondering if you would have time to meet in the upcoming weeks to give your perspective on this online platform I've been developing, which works to get kids excited about reading. I hope you're doing well these days. I have very fond memories of your class. I also still have those books we wrote in your class, which truly are hysterical and fun to read." 

Not sure if anyone can really understand the feeling of "warm and fuzzy," but it enveloped me at that very moment. To be sought out and asked to advise a former student felt awesome. In the moment, it is often difficult to know just  how a student feels about you. The school year ebbs and flows; days pass; vacations come and go. Special events mark the calendar; report cards are written. But, who really knows what our students are thinking. I knew now how this particular student felt. Validation. Respect. Excitement.

Teaching = influencing = rewarding

2 teach + 2 touch lives = 4 ever

So true. Recently bumped into a former student of mine. 28 years old! Wow! It's always amazing for me to see how the children, who have entered and exited my classroom at a very young age, turn out. Do the personalities and character traits we see in 1st grade remain? Are quirky behaviors lost in maturity? With this particular woman, she had blossomed into someone I would want to call a friend. As a young child, she was feisty. She loved to talk. It didn't matter about what, as long as she was chit-chatting away. Not ideal in a classroom, if you get my drift. With 20 other children, it can be challenging to divert attention away from a "talker." Her parents would say that they were just like her when they were younger. Now they were successful business people with a family of their own. This is  a typical response in a sticky parent/teacher conference situation. I know you all hear me! Anyway, fast forward 20 years, this little girl is wonderful. Her ease in speaking with me and catching up on her life brought a tear to my eye. Had I in any way influenced her? Had she used any of the things I taught her, 20 years ago? Without asking, I tried to decipher. Then finally, it happened......."I remember when you taught us that no matter what we did, or what mistakes we made, we could always say we're sorry and change it." She continued to tell me that this has become her mantra. She never felt trapped in a decision, nor did she feel stuck in a situation. She lived by the ideal that we can always change and make ourselves better. I was humbled. The fact that I made a difference in this young woman's life was humbling. Me! Tired, old teacher! This is why I do what I do, I thought. 2 teach + 2 touch lives = 4 ever! Sooooooo true!